About ODobhailien Irish Red and White Setters

We breed the best Irish upland bird dogs, moving functionally toward the Irish articulated breed standard. We have sought out stock deeply rooted in the old hunting lines of the finest Irish Red and White Setters as they appear in the most respected current lines and kennels in Ireland and throughout the world. We are the breeders of the 1st AKC IRWS Champion, CH O'Dobhailien Cailin Alainn SH. Cailin got her JH at 9 months of age. She is the 1st IRWS to a have a SH title. Her 1/2 brother whom we also bred was the first IRWS to have AKC Master hunt tests passes. The Irish setter was our first breed back in the late 1960's. With the loss of our Irish Setter, AM & CAN CH Draherin Lady Love we researched the IRWS. In 1977 we were blessed to meet Mrs. Maureen Cuddy in Middleton, Ireland. In 1994 we were fortunate to meet Vincent Brennan whom Mrs. Cuddy had suggested we contact. We ended up getting our first IRWS from Vincent, Lougherne Harvest, "Seamus". While visiting Mrs. Cuddy in 1995 she rang Father Doherty and told him it was time the Devlins took home a bitch pup. We brought Sheebhin Grainne, "Grainne" home with us and bred our foundation stock 3 years later. Seamus'X Grainne's daughter Fiona was featured as the breed representative on the IRWS episode of the Beretta's Bird Hunters Journal show. In 2010 we were delighted to be asked to send over one of our pups to Ireland. As of Nov. 4, 2010 we were the 1st IRWS breeders in the IRWSAA to be recognized as AKC Breeders of Merit. Our O'Dobhailien IRWS have their health clearances posted on the offa.org site. The IRWSAA is AKC's IRWS parent club and it recommends breeding stock have CHIC numbers which show that parents' have have had breed specific health screenings prior to being bred....CLAD, OFA/PENN hips,CERF/CAER eyes; optional, OFA thyroid panel and PRA-1. We breed only from OFA excellent or good hips. The Irish Red and White Setter is our breed, OUR ONLY BREED and we believe in breeding the whole dog. O'Dobhailien is an AKC registered kennel. Please contact us reference inquiries on our puppies or upcoming litters. Please visit us on our O'Dobhailien Irish Red and White Setter Facebook page. We are delighted that 2 of the 4 IRWS pictured in AKC's newest edition of "The Complete Dog" are O'Dobhailien IRWS. On AKC's website 3 of the 4 IRWS featured under the IRWS history portion are our dogs also. 2016 PUPPIES ARE HERE AS OF SEPT 26; 6 males, 5 females. This is a repeat breeding between GCH O'Dobhailien-O'Halloran Heritage X CH O'Dobhailien Lass Of Tillygreig JH. Inquiries welcome. To see pics of how their pups from their first litter turned out Go to http://www.odobhailien.com/puppies2014.shtml

We have been extremely pleased with Tilly our female IRWS that came from O'Dobhailien. Tilly is a very loving and affectionate house pet. She is unusual in that she has a lot of energy but also tremendous focus which translates into trainability. We had a lot of fun on the show circuit, Tilly earned her confirmation title at a young age with an over abundance of points having racked up wins in consecutive major competitions. Further, Tilly is an amazing gun dog consistently earning high scores during hunt rests. Trainers and judges love her for her strong motor and drive. She will work all day and find more birds than the rest of the field every time. We were very fortunate to find Bob and Even when we were looking for our first IRWS and would not consider going elsewhere next time.

Submitted by: Cody on Dec 02, 2014

One day I was looking through the Pheasant Forever website and saw a picture of a IRWS and knew instantly that was the dog I wanted. I found Bob and Evan on GunDogbreeders.com in the summer of 2012. I did thorough and careful research into many breeders and determined that O'dobhailien was the premier breeder of the IRWS. I can tell you, without a doubt, it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I picked Harper up in September of 2012. I took him to Iowa at 5 months old and introduced him to pheasants and could tell instantly that hunting pheasant was instinctual. By the end of the trip he was pointing birds (at 5 months old!). We have hunted pheasant in Iowa with Harper each year after that. His skills continue to grow and evolve. This past year was incredible. We have never had to do ANY formal training with him. He stays at a close distance and works back and forth, checking for scent. He points and HOLDS his points until we get there. He has turned into an unbelievable retriever. He has a incredible tenacity about him and never gives up looking for a wounded bird. He brings the birds back to your feet and drops them. The family and friends we hunt with were dumbfounded that he has never received formal training.

Not only is he a good hunting dog, but he is an excellent pet. His intelligence level is off the charts and he is very good with all people including young children.

Bob and Evan are a joy to work with. I absolutely recommend their dogs to anyone interested in IRWS.

Submitted by: Bob Allender on Sep 07, 2014

I have two of Bob and Evan's IRWSs. The first "Garland" is over ten and the second "Mairead" just turned one. I'm proud to say I've never lost a bird with Garland in the field. Have done a couple of hunt tests with him, he has never failed. Though some tell me it is unusual for a setter, he has a "huge" first point, classic three point stance with tail up. Even brought tears to one person's eyes who was working with me. My second Mairead looks to have promise maybe even greater than Garland. I added a second more so because of the companionship these dogs give, more at home in the home with their person and Mairead has been a great companion for Garland.

What strikes me most is the advice and care Bob and Evan have given me over the years. I've never met anyone who cared so much for the dogs and the preservation of what the IRWS was truly meant to be. Not many breeders stay in contact for over ten years, they have. Thank you for two of the greatest gifts it has been my pleasure to experience all these years.

Bob Allender

Submitted by: Mark Engelhardt on Sep 19, 2013

I am honored to submit this testimonial. We own two IRWS from the Devlin's. Having grown up with Red Irish Setters (10 born on St. Patty's Day) all my life, it was time for a new setter, especially after for caring for our "Kerry Dancer" for many years with health problems. Through research we discovered the O'Dobhailien family of IRWS. I got to know Evan and Bob by telephone and although they knew I did not hunt, (fisherman)they understaood the love our family has for setters. In any event, we have had O'Dobhailien Rory Donegal for 5 1/2 years and O'Dobhailien "Paddy" Padraig Donegal for 1 1/3 years. I was impressed with their emphasis on the health of the breed and care they took in selecting the "right dog for our family" with us.
When I flew up to Duluth, from Florida, I was welcomed with open arms and was able to observe the care they have for the entire IRWS kennel and pups. So after two IRWS, in great health and the most wonderful dispositions, I am pleased to testify that the Devlin's are top notch breeder's with numerous awards for showing and hunting. I even have the Cabela's DVD where the Devlin's are featured bird hunters.
Both Rory and Paddy are terrific around children, have a natural instinct for all types of animals in our golf course setting. They are natural "friends" with the deer. Our neighbors and family members are amazed at the breed and the loving personalities of both dogs.
Evan and Bob are always available by telephone for advise, but more importantly, they are interested in how the dogs are doing. I take plenty of photos and Rory's photo made it in the AKC Journal (January 2009) when the IRWS was "introduced" in the sporting dog category. Even out vet, for routine check ups, is impressed with the overall health status of the dogs. As i tell Rory and Paddy every night; "you are the best dogs in the world"..Thanks Evan & Bob for bringing joy to our world.
Mark Engelhardt

Submitted by: Margaret Ter Horst on Aug 27, 2013

We were introduced to Evan and Bob Devlin and O'Dobhailien Kennels and the world of the Irish Red and White Setter when we began a search for a new hunting companion. My husband had hunted with a red setter as a boy, and we had had a succession of English setters. Our inquiries into the red and white setter led us to Duluth, the Devlins, and our Caile. She has not only proved to be an excellent hunter -- eager to be in the field, with an excellent nose, showing a tenacity for holding a bird, and ready to go again and again. She has hunted well under all conditions, outhunting other dogs in the field in heavy snow. What has pleased us so much is her athleticism and strength. Now that she is almost twelve years old she is still out for her daily runs, can jump in and out of the car easily and flies up the stairs. She has been a very healthy dog. Trips to the vet have only been for the usual vaccinations. As a companion and family dog, we could not have made a better choice. Our grandsons were toddlers and babies when she came to us and they have all bonded in a special way. It is her unique "Irishness," her leprechaun personality of which we have become so fond. This is the only dog that we have had who has a distinct sense of humor and shares it with us! All of the above testimonial to Caile, our Irish Red and White Setter, we owe to Evan and Bob Devlin for their true devotion to maintaining the breed as it should be done, through their careful genetic selections when breeding, their care of all their puppies and the other dogs who are in their kennel, the continuance of instincts in hunting, their thoughtfulness and concern as each dog is placed with new owners. They have a true sense of ownership with the Irish Red and White Setters it is known through each of their very special dogs. We heartily recommend O'Dobhailien Kennels and Evan and Bob Devlin if yoiu have any interest in the Irish Red and White Setter. It will be a good choice for you as a hunting companion and family dog.

Submitted by: Mrs Aisling Redmond-Hawkes on Aug 21, 2013

To give due where due is well overdue in recognition ,
I have found the Devlins line of breeding to be of some of the highest quality
of anywhere in the world due to the fact all their dogs and bitches are of the
standard that stay true to the standards of the old breed that the Irish Red and
White Setters are.
Their gun dogs are bred from old lines without any other dog breeds in their
lineage and can be traced according and that is so important .
Also by just looking at their dogs you can see perfect confirmation in their
stature and excellent muscle tone with the proper deep chests and length of tail
along with intelligent bright eyes set in the true Irish Red and Whites
distinctive shaped heads.

All their dogs have lovely temperaments which is the way the breed should be.
Their dogs are all fully tested for any damage to their eyes ,hips , etc and
all other defects that have been showing up in some lines of breeding ( which
is a shocking disregard for the breed and is happening and comes across as money
making with no regard for the breed ) so it is with years of hard work and not
for profit but for the love of the breed that the Devlins have stayed true to
the old type of breed which is pure and a honest hard working dog with loyalty
to its owners and great around kids when it is not being worked.

The super high standard of the Devlins is a must for the breed to stay pure ,
healthy and a simply joy to work with. The dogs are also just a joy to look
at even at the end of a good day out with dirt and mud attached and dog and
owner tired because that is what the survival of the breed is about. These high
standards and I say this coming from a line of Red and White Setter breeders
that are delighted to see the Irish Red and White dogs legacy carrying on in
such responsible hands in breeding as also in selling their puppies to
responsible owners who will exercise, look after health wise and understand what
talking on such an intelligent energetic dog means .

The Devlins have years and years of experience and so much knowledge about the
breed and lines and also where dogs are being imported from and the standard of
these dogs that it is wonderful to just talk to them if you need any advice as
we are always learning and it is of utmost important to know the background of
your dog if it is not from the Devlins .

It would be wonderful if a lot more breeders were of like mind as the Devlins ,
breeders for the love of breed not for money or status but to work the dog or
as a person who hikes for miles and just gets pure enjoyment from the dog. Also
the Red and Whites are always teaching us a thing or two as they are known as
the thinking man's ( woman's ) dog for 100s of years , they are a dog that
needs stimulation and not a short walk on a lead.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs Aisling Redmond Hawkes .

Submitted by: Bruce J kopp on May 28, 2013

Our family has had the pleasure of one of ODobhailen's Irish Red & White Setters for four years now. "Carson" is not only one of the best pheasant dogs I've hunted with, he is truly a member of the family. I've never been around a dog as affectionate. When it is time to "find the birds" he is all business and just a joy to watch. Bob and Evan are truly wonderful and care immensely about the breed and their dogs. We feel fortunate to have been chosen to adopt our Carson and I would reccommend them to anyone wanting a gun dog and family member that will make you proud.

Submitted by: Colin Roney on Apr 10, 2012

To say we love our O'Dobhailien IRWS “Murphy” is an understatement! We feel blessed that both Bob and Evan have been such an overwhelming source of support and information. They have provided love and compassion in making Murphy such an outstanding dog, both physically and emotionally. They are like Murphy’s grandparents, always there for us with advice, a good tip and so willing to dote on the millions of pictures I send them of Murphy.
I am a big upland bird hunting enthusiast; to have Murphy with me, makes it so much more special. Not only is he wonderful with our 11month year old son, he is one of the best pointers I have ever seen. Every time I go hunting with new or old friends, I receive many compliments on what a great bird dog he is. People are always commenting on how incredibly beautiful it is to watch him work the fields.
An example of his ability is, last summer I took him to the Minnesota Game Fair to check things out and wander around. There was a pointing competition that day, the last day, and we were the second to last to show up. Fifty dogs had competed that day and two points in three minutes was the best record when I showed up. While I was in line to have Murphy enter the field, I was surrounded by what appeared to be very serious hunters and kennel owners (they all had the vests, whistles, hats with logos.etc). They were looking at me like I was some silly city boy (with khaki pants, flip flops and a baseball cap). When it was our turn, Murphy pointed three birds in three minutes and was on another before time let out. The judge said, “Wow, I have never seen a dog like that and what a good nose. He holds his point so well and it was fun to watch him work!” I was one proud papa that day! Murphy was the best of 50 dogs and to be honest, I wasn’t that surprised. I knew what he was capable of doing.
I recommend Bob and Evan Devlin of O’Dobhailien Irish Red and White Setters, in Duluth, Minnesota without reservation. If you have the privilege to own one of their amazing puppies, you will have both an amazing family dog and a gifted hunting companion.

Submitted by: Mike Tipple on May 20, 2011

I have known Bob and Evan and their pups for over 10 years. My wife and I became familiar with their "kids" when we agreed to kennel sit for them. We instantly became attached with their dogs, because of their wonderful temperment. Liam was our first dog that we owned. He was from a litter of their original two IRWS, Seamus and Grainne. For two non-gun dog owners, we were lucky to get a dog that hunted as well as Liam did. My favorite hunting story was on a canoe trip. We got out of the canoe to stretch and he squatted near a small patch of grass near the river. I thought he was just peeing, but he just kept staying there, not for seconds, but for minutes. He finally got tired of giving me the "what are you waiting for look" and stuck he head in the grass and flushed out a nest of ducks. Good thing he knew what to do. We now have a 4 1/2 year old daughter and since day one we have never been afraid to expose her to Liam or any of their other dogs.

The moment that you meet Bob and Evan you will notice that these dogs are there lives. Everything they do is in the best interest of not only their dogs, but of the whole breed. They are very meticulous to match dogs for physical attributes as well as hunting ability and temperment.

Best wishes for your continued successes Bob and Evan and congratulations or your awards.

Mike Tipple

Submitted by: Ann Miller on Dec 24, 2010

I was absolutely delighted to learn that Bob and Evan Devlin have been given the
'Breeders Of Merit' award for their achievements in breeding Irish Red& White Setters. As a breeder myself of this ancient and
outstanding gun dog breed, I appreciate how much they deserve this recognition. Theirs is not a business but, rather, a vocation, as everything they do is motivated by what is best for the breed. Therefore they have succeeded in producing true, pure lines of handsome,traditional working gundogs that illustrate so well the breed standard. This is not always the case, as some IR&WS breeders have introduced alien, detrimental lines which does not serve the principle of ethical 'best for the breed' practice.
Bob and Evan are always careful to breed from stock that has current health checks before mating. They obviously truly love their dogs and so the puppies they produce are reared carefully and lovingly with plenty of human hands-on
attention.This caring is continued in the ongoing support and advice they give to new owners who take their new puppy into their lives and
hearts. This support is a very important part of breeding.
I had no qualms, other than the long journey to far away Minnesota, when the Devlins wished to add Mizen puppies to their kennel especially as
they had visited me in person years ago. We have been good friends ever since that fateful visit. My only regret is that they cannot visit me
more often on this wonderful Mizen Peninsula, Ireland's most southwesterly point.
I wish Bob and Evan continued success in their much loved vocation!
Ann Miller,
Mizen Head,
Goleen,
West Cork,
Ireland.

The above testimonial was copied verbatim as this site would not accept Ann's entry from Ireland.